Autoblog

It's not often that an automaker invites the press to drive a developmental test mule, but that's just about what happened recently at the Ricardo test circuit in Valencia, Spain, where Audi brought out four examples of what's being called an S5 Evo for select members of the automotive press to sample.

While Audi is expected to unveil the new RS5 in March at the Geneva Motor Show, speculation has been running rampant as to what will be packed underneath the hood, with a turbocharged version and a V10 being touted as strong possibilities. The S5 Evo, however, was being driven by a tuned version of the S5's 4.2-liter V8 with 420 hp – instead of the standard 354 – that drove all fours through Audi's new S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Whether his model will ever see the light of day remains to be seen, but could depend partially on public feedback. So what do you think, does an S5 Evo have a place in the Audi line-up between the existing S5 and the upcoming RS5? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

[Source: InfoMotori via Auto Unleashed]

Audi is intent on leaving no niche unfilled and the word from Inside Line is that the automaker is planning to unveil a cabrio variant of its A5 and S5 coupes. The convertible versions of the A5 and S5 won't be fitted with the folding hardtops that have become de rigueur among its luxury competitors, so expect a similar soft-top system to that found on the A4/S4/RS4 cabrio and TT roadster. Power will be provided by either the 265-hp, 3.2-liter V6 or the 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 found in the A5 and S5, respectively. Expect the new cabrios to debut later this year or early next, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009.

[Source: Inside Line]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the MTM supercharged Audi S5

The Audi S5 is no slouch at 354 horsepower, but German tuner MTM isn't satisfied and has given the 4.2-liter V8 a serious kick in the pants with an intercooled supercharger package that boosts horsepower to 505 and torque to 403. That's good enough to hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. MTM is also offering a high-flow exhaust system, coilover suspension system, 15-inch brake system, and unique 21-inch wheels. Hmmm... an MTM supercharged S5 or an R8? Decision, decisions.

[Source: MTM]

Driving a car on a racetrack, a controlled environment where the vehicle's limits can be safely probed, is an experience that not only increases driving skills, but it builds confidence too. Recognizing this, and offering car enthusiasts a way to legally wring-out some of their hottest products, Audi has partnered with Emotive to launch their 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Unlike last year's marketing-oriented Audi Driving Experience, or any other Driver Education event, the Sportscar Experience is focused on high-performance driving.

The program consists of several different one- and two-day programs held at Infineon Raceway in California. Drivers sign up for the event of their choice, and each one includes a high-performance Audi "S" model for flogging (yes, tires and brakes are included). The vehicles include the 420-hp Audi RS4, the 354-hp Audi S5, the 450-hp Audi S8, and the awesome 420-hp Audi R8. If there is a downside to all of this fun, it's the price. The entry-level half-day "Introductory Program" runs $695. A full-day program in the RS4 will cost you $1,295. Want to improve your skills behind the wheel of the R8? That will set you back a cool $1,895 for a one-day program, $3,495 for two days. Having fun ain't cheap.

[Source: Audi]

We reported exactly one year ago today that an Audi A5 convertible was in the works. Word's out now that the upcoming drop-top will be manufactured in Neckarsulm, a city in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The Audi RS 4 will be the new A5 vert's assembly line buddy at this plant.

The new topless Audi will most likely be fitted with the 3.2-liter FSI V6, which will square up the car nicely with the BMW 328i convertible. However, when the rumored 354-hp V8 S5 convertible shows up, it will go head-to-head with the twin-turbo six-cylinder 300-hp BMW 335i convertible. Unlike the Bimmers with their folding hardtops, the Audi convertibles will have electric soft-tops to save weight (and cost, no doubt). The A5 convertible isn't expected to debut until January 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show, and we've already got our hotel rooms booked (just kidding, we're so not that organized).

[Source: Automobilwoche via eGMCarTech]

The Audi A5 was unveiled at Geneva to much fanfare, and within 30 seconds of pictures hitting the net the elegant coupe was been surrounded by rumors. We knew the S5 was part of the package, but since the newest Audi had two doors, cabrio conjecture wasn't far behind. Perhaps the most anticipated A5 talked about is an RS version, which could include either the high-revving 420-hp 4.2L V8 found in the RS4, or the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10 found in the S6 and S8.

The scribes over at World Car Fans point out that the RS version typically one-ups AMG and BMW M cars, and with a 480-hp CLK out there, the Gallardo V10 would make a nice trump card. We're inclined to agree with that hypothesis, since Audi already has the powerplant in the corporate parts bin, and there isn't much tuning necessary to get it back up to 500 HP. Audi has also shown just how serious it is about keeping a power edge against RWD competitors after it had the lug nuts to slap twin-turbochargers on the V10 destined for the RS6 Avant. Either way, Audi is no longer interested in being an also-ran in the luxury market, and big-horsepower coupes will only make the brand that much more appealing to enthusiasts.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Click the image above for more hi-res pics.

Audi has finally released U.S. pricing on its new A5 and S5, and those of you looking to get into Audi's newest hotness can do so for the bargain price of $39,900. That's where the base A5 model will start, complete with a six-speed manual, while the S5, sporting the same stick will begin at $50,500. Throw in the six-speed Triptronic auto 'box and both prices swell by another $1,300. Naturally, both models come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, while the A5 finds motivation from the 265 HP 3.2-liter FSI V6 and the S5 gets going under the power of the 354 HP 4.2-liter FSI V8.

You can check out all the options in the press release after the jump, and expect the manual equipped S5s to arrive at dealers in November, while the A5, A5 automatic and S5 automatic will be available in spring of '08.

[Source: Audi]

We found a couple great Fifth Gear videos for you from the new season, so we decided to put both into one post. First (above), Vicky Butler-Henderson pits two of the hottest luxury sport coupes, the all-new Audi S5 and the BMW 335i. These two vehicles show just how far the sport coupe market has come in the past few years, and Vicky took both to the track to see which vehicle was quicker. The rear-drive Bimmer had it all over the S5 in the handling department while also weighing a few hundred pounds less, but the S5 used its over 50HP advantage courtesy of its brute-force V8 engine to even the score. Click play above to see who won the time trial by a minuscule .6 seconds.

Hit the jump to view the second Fifth Gear video, and see what could be a teaser of the Veyron cabrio.

[Source: YouTube]

Even though the Audi A5 and S5 won't be available until spring of '08, H&R, purveyors of all things sprung and stiff, have announced the availability of lowering springs for both models. When you do finally get your hands on Audi's newest hotness, you'll be able to choose a drop of 10-35 mm, depending on the package.

Additionally, you can push your 18- or 19-inch rolling stock out with a set of aluminum wheel spacers sized between 6mm and 60 mm, and H&R has announced the development of a full coilover setup and anti-roll bars. Can't wait to see the first widebody kit on these cars.

You can view all the available options at H&R's site, and click on through for the suspension wizard's press release.

[Source: H&R]

Audi's A5 line was supposed to mean "coupe," but the exception to the rule appears to be the Sportback variant. While the renderings give it five doors, the car definitely retains its coupe DNA -- there'll be no chance of confusing it with an A4 Avant. The bog standard Sportback will make do with front wheel drive and common rail diesels producing 140 to 200 hp. Step above that and you'll get gas options that utilize Audi's TFSI engines, as well as quattro and torque vectoring. The star at the top of the Christmas tree goes by the name of RS5, and gets the 4.2-liter FSI V8. If the final version looks as good as the renderings, then we think we need two.

[Source: Motor Authority]